Hinged cover container



Feb. 13, 1945. M. l. WILLIAMSON |:rAL

HINGED COVER CONTAINER 4 sheets-sheet 2 Filed July 2l, 1942 By'ermazz d (dira www Feb- 13 1945- M. l. WILLIAMSON ETAL 2,369,387

HINGED COVER CONTAINER Filed Jly 21, 1942 4 sheets-sheet s BYM/mzz Ml/@msm Herman fl. [h1/ruilt,

Feb- 13, 1945- M. l. WILLIAMSON ETA. 2,369,387

HINGED COVER CONTAINER Filed July 21, '1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Feb. 13, 1945 HINGED/ COVER CONTAINER Marshall I. Williamson, New York, N. Y., and Herman A. Carruth, Northford, Conn., assignors to National Folding Box Company, New Haven, Cpnn., a corporation of New Jersey Application July 21, 1942, Serial No. 451,711

9 Claims. (Cl. 229-44) This invention relates to hinged cover containers, and more particularly to a container formed from paperboard or other suitably flexible material comprising a box part having a hinged cover part associated therewith adapted to telescope over the open end of the box part.

A In accordance with this invention, the box part may comprise multiple side-enclosing panels suitably connected to provide a tubular body. Such box parts are also usually provided with a bottom wall panel suitably secured to the enclosing side wall panels to provide a bottom end closure for the tubular body.

'I'he cover part of the container comprises a top wall panel hinged to the upper edge of the rear wall panel of the box part, a front panel or flange section adapted tol fit snugly over an opposite front wall panel of the box part, and side wall panels or sections adapted to t snugly over the intermediate side enclosing panels of the box part. The side wall sections of the cover part are suitably rmly secured to the adjacent ends of the top wall panel and front ange section and may be so shaped as to give the cover part a neat and trim appearance.

Hinged cover containers made oi paperboard and other flexible material and comprising a box part and a cover part hinged to and adapted to close over the upper end of the box part have enjoyed only limited use due to the diiculty in retaining the cover part in fixed closed position so that the cover part will not ily open during normal handling ofthe lled container, and also because most such containers heretofore have had closures not affording maximum ease and speed of opening and reclosing their closures, usually requiring manual infolding of various tabs and the parts which interfere with discharge oi' contents.

In inetal and other rigid hinged cover containers substantial frictional resistance to the opening of the cover part is achieved by the substantial frictional contact between the enclosing flanges of the cover part and the walls of the box part. The same degree of frictional resistance between the enclosing anges of the cover part and the walls of the box partin a container made of paperboard or other flexible material has not heretofore been achieved, particularly where the container is of the hinged cover type.

In accordance with this invention, cooperating abutment elements are associated with the front wall panel of the box part and the front enclosing flange section of the cover part, which are so formed and proportioned as to provide substantial resistance to opening of the cover part and which operate to retain the cover part in closed position even when the container is subjected to rough handling. The particular means which accomplish this desirable result in the present invention comprise a hinged abutment flap adapted to cooperate with a relatively fixed abutment element, such as a fixed abutment fiap or a pair of fixed abutment tabs, in a manner to resist inadvertent opening of the cover of the ycontainer The hinged abutment flap may be :associated either with the front Wall panel of the box part at its upper edge or with the iront ilarlge section of the cover part. When the front wall panel of the box part is provided with the hinged abutment ap, the xed abutment element or flap, or pair of fixed abutment tabs, is secured to the inside face of the front flange section or panel of the cover part. When the front flange section of the cover part is provided with the hinged abutment flap, a fixed abutment elementl or flap is secured to the outside face of the front wall panel of the box part.

In either circumstance, as to their respective locations, the hinged and fixed abutment flaps or tabs are brought into eiective abutting engagement when the cover part is in closed position by first turning the hinged abutment flap out of its normal plane so that its free edge will meet and abut the edge of the xed abutment element, with the hinged abutment flap and the fixed abutment element conned between the inner face of the front flange section of the cover part and the outer face of the front wall panel ofthe box part.

Such confinement of the thus engaged abutment flaps or tabs, when the cover part of the container is in closed position, serves to maintain their abutting engagement by resisting the normal hinging movement oi the hinged abutment flap whereby such engagement would be released.

When the hinged and fixed abutment flaps or tabs are properly proportioned, as in the manner more particularly hereinafter described, the cover part can be swung from its closed position to its open position only by applying a sufllcient upward pressure or pull on the front flange section of the cover part to overcome the resistance to the normall hinging movement of the Ahinged abutment flap occasioned by its connement as described.

When upward pressure or pull is exerted on the front flange section of the cover part, the cooperating abutment edges of the fixed abutment element and hinged abutment flap move into abutment, and the continued upward pressure places compressive stress on the hinged abutment iiap during a portion of the swinging l movement of the cover part from closed to opened position. This compressive stress is variously transmitted to the enclosing walls or panels of the cover part and/or box part, the material from which the panels are made being sufliciently flexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture of material while the hinged ap is under compressive stress during opening movement of the cover part. One or more of the enclosing walls or panels of the cover part or box part are designed'to flex suilciently to permit such hinging movement of the hinged abutment flap between the inner face of the front flange section of the cover part and the outer face of the front wall panel of the box part, until the abutting engagement of the hinged abutment flap and the fixed abutment element is released, whereupon the cover part springs open.

Hinged cover containers constructed in accordance with this invention provide a packaging medium for numerous articles of merchandise which have heretofore been packaged only in relatively rigid hinged cover containers. The container itself may be made of numerous attractive shapes and forms, and may be made in i any length, width or depth desired.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved hinged cover container formed from paperboard or other ilexible material, having means associated with the box and cover part thereof to retain the cover part in closed telescoped position over the box partnand operative to resist opening-movement of the cover part.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container formed from suitably flexible material having a box part and a cover part hinged thereto and adapted to telescope over the open end of the box part, which is provided with means associated with the box and cover parts adapted to retain the cover part in closed position so as to ,prevent any undesired opening thereof and which nevertheless may be easily and quickly opened and closed, and which also is so constructed that the cover part may be swung completely away from the open end of the box part so as not to interfere with the insertion or removal of the contents into'or from the box part.

A further object of this invention is to provide a structure for forming a reclosable container made of iiexible material which is attractive and neat in appearance, strong and sturdy in construction, and serviceable use, and wherein the cover part may be made to snugly telescope over the box part.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention which are believed to be novel will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its `objects and advantages, and the manner in which itmay be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the unassembled cover part attached to or forming an integral part of an otherwise fully formed box part:

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the partially assembled cover part associated with the upper end of a box part; s

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fully assembled cover part associated with a box part;

Fig. .4 is a perspective view of the cover part as it appears when fully assembled and in closed telescoped position over the upper end of the box part;

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the filled and closed container as it appears when viewed along 1 ine'5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an Ienlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken through the cover partand the upper portion of the box part and showing the cover part in partially open position;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the container showing a box part having associated therewith -an unassembled cover part of somewhat modified construction:

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the fully formed container showing the cover part of Fig. '7 fully assembled and swung into open position;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the fully formed container showing the cover part in closed and telescoped position over the upper end of the box part;

Fig. l0 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fully assembled and filled container as it appears when viewed along line |0I 0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. l1 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through the upper portion of the container showing the cover part in partially open position;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a container showing a. box part having associated therewith an unassembled cover part of another modified construction;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the box part shown in Fig. 12 with the cover part fully assembled and swung into openl scoped position over the upper end of the box` part;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through the upper portion of the container as the saine appears when viewed along line ls-,ls of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the upper portion of the container showing the cover part in partially open position;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the fully formed container having a cover part fully assembled from the cover forming elements shown in Fig. l2 but with the securing tabs thereof secured to the inside face of the to-p Wall panel of the cover part and the abutment flap thereof not secured to the inside face of the front iiange section, the xed abutment flap in this instance being associated with the front Wall panel of the box part;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the container shown in Fig. 17 with the cover part in closed and telescoped position over the upper end of the box part;

Fig. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view through .the upper portion of the container shown in Fig. 18 with the cover part in partially open position;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a container showing a fully formed box part and having associated therewith an unassembled cover part of further modified construction; l

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the container shown in Fig. 20 having the abutment ap associated with the cover part folded and secured in position;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the container shown in Fig. 21 and illustrates the manner in which the cover part mayy be assembled;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view'of the fully assembled container showing the cover part in closed and telescoped position over the upper end of the box part;

Fig. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fully assembled container as it appears when viewed along line 24-24 of Fig. 23; and

Fig. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view 'through the upper portion of the container shown in'fFig. 23 with the cover part in partially open position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

'In accordance with this invention, the box part a of the container may be of any desired shape or size but normally comprises four enclosing walls and a bottom wall, .which may be formed and secured together in any desired manner. For the purpose of explanation, however, one of the enclosing panels is designated the front wall panel I, the opposite enclosing panel is designated rear wall panel 2, and the intermediate enclosing panels as side wall panels 3, all of which are connected by a bottom wall panel 4 forming a containing bottom for the box part. The front, rear and side Wall panels of the box part may be of any desired length and width to form a box part of any desired size. and proportion. The particular construction of these panels and the bottom panel as well as their manner of assembly may also be varied as desired.

One of the enclosing panels, which will hereinafter be designated the front wall panel I, is provided with an abutment ap 5 hlngedly connected thereto at its upper end 6. The abutment flap 5 may extend substantially the full width of the front wall panel I and may, if desired, be provided with mitered ends 1.' The abutment ap 5 is provided with an abutment edge 8 which may extend substantially parallel to the top edge of the front wall panel. The abutment edge 8 of flap 5 is designed to cooperate with a complementary labutment edge or edges presented by an abutment ap or abutment tabs associated with the cover part b of the container.

The cover part b forming a part of the container as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, com prises a top wall panel Ill which is hinged to the rear Wall panel 2 of the box part along a transversely extending or hinge score line I I which defines the' top edge of the rear wall panel. A front panel or flange section I2 is hlngedly connected along transversely extending score line I3 to the top wall panel IIl. 'I'he score line I3 is so positicned as to permit the front flange section I2 to snugly overlie the outside face of the front wall panel I of the box part when the cover part, fully assembled, is in closed position. A side wall forming panel or section I4 is hlngedly connected 4to each end of the top wall panel I by a score line I5 which is so positioned as to permit each side wall section to snugly overlie the outside face of the adjacent side wall panel 3 of the box part when the cover part is in closed position. Each side wall section I4 is also provided with a securing tab I6 hinged thereto along a transversely extending score line I1. Each of the score lines I1 may be substantially in alignment with the score line I3. Each securing tab I8 is separated as by cut I8 from the adjacent end of the front iiange section I2. The securing tabs I8 are so shaped and proportoned that they may be folded to overlie the respective adjacent ends of the inside face of the` front ilange section I2.

An abutment flap I9 is hlngedly connected by transversely extending score line to the front flange section I2 and is -so proportioned that it may be folded so as to overlie and be secured as by adhesive to the inside faces of the securing tabs I6 when they have been folded into position against the ffront flange section I2, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The abutment flap I9 associated with the cover part is provided with an abutment edge 2| which is adapted to cooperate 'with the abutment edge 8 of the abutment flap 5 associated with the box part when the cover part is in closed and telescoped position over the box part.

'I'he cover part b associated with the container illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, may be summarized as comprising a top wall panel I0 hinged to the upper edge of the rear wall panel 2 of the box part, a front panel or flange section I2, and side wall `panels or sections I4 connecting the adjacent ends of the top wall panel l0 and front ange section I2, the parts being so proportioned that the front flange section I0 will snugly telescope over the front wall panel l of the box part and the side wall sections I4 will snugly telescope over the side wall panels 3 of the box part. The outer free edge I8 of the side wall sections may be given a rounded or curvilinear contour to enhance the appearance of the assembled container.

An important feature of this invention is theV "illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, as comprising"-the abutment flap I9 associated with the front flange section I2 of the cover part and the abutment ilap 5 associated with the front wall panel I of the box part. Preferably, the longitudinal length a: of abutment flap 5, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, is approximately the same as the longitudinal length y of the abutment flap I9. 'I'he combined longitudinal length a: and y of abutment ilaps 5 and I9, however, is preferably one to four thicknesses of the paperboard material less than the longitudinal length e of the front ange sections I2 of the cover part. Also, the upper end 6 of the front wall panel I of the box part is preferably below the plane of the top wall panel I8 of the cover part, when in closed position, a distance equal to from one to four thicknesses of the paperboard material, and the top edges 9 of the side wall panels 3 may be beveled to coincide. Thus when the cover part is in closed position, as illustrated in Fig. 5, and with the edge 8 of flap 5 in abutment with abutment edge 2I of flap I9, the top wall panel III of the cover part will be raised above the top edge of the front wall panel a distance r.

The merchandise material or plug P may be placed in the box part when the cover part is swung into the open position illustrated in Fig. 3. When the cover part is swung into closed position, the abutment edge 2l of the cover abutment flap I9 will then move under and engage the abutment edge 8 of the box abutment iiap 5 after the latter has first lbeen turned downwardly out of its normal plane as shown. By reason of the lowered upper edge -6 of the front wall panel I and the beveled upper edges 8 of the side wall panels 3. the top wall panel III of the cover part may -be pressed downwardly so as to lie at substantially an acute angle to the rear wall panel 2 of the box part. Since the abutment flaps Sand .I9 have a combined length of a: plus 1l which is less than the comparative length z of the front iiange section I2 of the cover part, the abutment edge 2I `of the ap I9 is entirely free to swing under and engage the abutment edge 8 of the flap 5 'when the top wall panel I of the cover part is pressed down so as to engage the upper edge '6 of the front wall panel I oi the box part. Due to the inherent resiliency of ythe paperboard material, top wall panel I0 will swing upwardly into position substantially at right angles to the rear wall panel 2 when prsure on the top wall panel I0 is released. When this occurs, abutment edge 2I of flap I9 will engage and abut the abutment edge 8 of the v box abutment ap 5.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, the abutment iiap I9 is adheslvely secured to the inside faces of the securing tabs I6 as folded to lie against the inside face of-the front iiange section I2 of the cover part, while the abutment iiap 5 is free to hinge or swing along fold line 6 which deiines the top edge of the front wall panel I of the box part.

. When access to the contents of the container as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 is desired, upward pressure is exerted on the lower free edge of the rfront flange section I.2 of the cover part. Stresses are thus imposed upon the front wall panel I and the rear wall panel 2 of the box part by the thus enforced upward swinging of the abutment abutment flap 5 is forced to swing upwardly anc outwardly while the abutment ilap I9 associatec` with the cover part remains fixed. 'I'he hinging abutment iiap 5 and the fixed abutment ilap I9 are so shaped and proportioned as to impose suiiicient stresses upon the front and rear wall panels I and 2 of the box part to achieve the desired resistance to the normal opening of the cover part so that the cover part is retained in closed positionfand will not open inadvertently during normal handling of the container.

'I'here is shown in Figs. '1 to 11 inclusive a cover part b of somewhat modified construction. In the arrangement here shown, the abutment flap I9 associated with the cover part illustrated in Fig. 1 lis eliminated, and the xed abutment means associated with the cover part is afforded by the securing tabs 25 which arehingedly connected to each side wall section I4 of the cover part. Each tab 25 comprises a main tab portion 25 and an abutment extension 25" formed by cutting a notch 28 in each of the tabs 25, which notch separates each tab from the adjacent end of the front ange section I2. As thus formed, the main portion 25' of each tab is provided with a beveled inner edge 26 and the abutment extension 25" is provided with a relatively straight abutment edge 21.

The cover part is assembled by adheslvely securing the tabs 25 to the inside face of the front flange section I2 as illustrated in Fig. 8. The longitudinal length y of each abutment extension 25" is preferably approximately the same as the longitudinal length :l: of the abutment flap 5 which is free to hinge along the top edge 6 of the front wall panel I of the box part. When the cover part is assembled the abutment edges 21 of the abutment extensions 25" are substantially in alignment so as to be in position to engage the abutment edge 8 of the hinging abutment flap 5 of the box part. Due to the fact that the tabs 25 are adheslvely secured to the inside face of the front ilange section I2, their abutment extensions 25" present a relatively xed abutment edge 21. Each end 1 of the hinging abutment ap 5 is preferably cut on a miter so as to iit between the beveled edges 26 of the tabs 25 of the cover part when the cover part is in closed position and the hinging abutment flap 5 has first been turned outwardly down out of its normal plane as shown.

The merchandise contents may be readily inserted into the container shown in Fig. 8 when the cover part is swung into full open position. vSince the length y of the abutment extensions 25" added to the length :c of the hinged abutment flap 8 is less than the comparative length z of the front ange section I2 of the cover part, the abutment edges 21 oi the tabs 25 are entirely free to swing under and engage the abutment edge 8 of the hinged abutment flap 5 when the v top wall panel I0 of the cover part is pressed so as to engage the top edge 6 -of the front wall panel I of the box part. Due to the inherent resiliency of the paperboard material, the top wall panel Ill will swing upwardly substantially at right angles to rear wall panel 2 when pressure on the top wall panel I9 is released. When this occurs, abutment edges 21 will engage and abut the abutment edge 8 ofthe hinged abutment ap 5 as illustrated in Fig. 10.

The cover part may be swung into open position by applying upward pressure to the lower free edge of the front flange I2 of the cover pa'rt. As shown in Fig. 11, stresses are thus imposed on the front wall panel I and the rear wall panel 2 of the box part, causing them to bow inwardly. The stresses thus engendered resist opening of the cover part and maintain the cover part in partially closed position until suflicient upward force is exerted on the front flange section I2 of the cover part to overcome this resistance. However, only a slight downward force need be exerted on the top wall panel I IJ of the cover part to effect closing of the cover part. This resistance to opening continues until the hinged abutment ap 5 extends at substantially an obtuse angle to the front wall panel I. The hinged abutment ap 5 and the fixed abutment extensions 25" are so shaped `and proportioned as to achieve the desired resistance to the lnormal opening of the cover part so that the cover part is retained in closed position and will not open during normal handling of the container,

There is shown in Fig. l2 a container having an assembled box part a and an unassembled cover part b of somewhat further modified construction. As shown in Fig. 12, a side wall section 34 is hingedly connected to each end of the front flange section I2 along longitudinally extending score line 35. A securing tab 36 is hingedly connected to each of the side wall sections 34 along a transversely extending score line 31 which is substantially a continuation of the score line I3. -A fixed abutment flap I9 is hingedly connected to the front iiange section I2 along the transversely extending score line 20. Each side wall section 34 may be provided with a round orarcuate outer edge 38 to enhance the appearance of the container.

The securing tabs 36 may be adheslvely secured to the outside face of the top wall panel I0 of the cover part as illustrated in Figs. 13 to or sections 34 will snugly telescope over the side wall panels 3 of the box part.

While in the preferred form the abutment element or flap I9 is flxedly secured tothe inside face of the rrontilange section I2 of the cover part and the abutment flap 5 is free to hinge along the top edge of the front wall panel I of the box part, as shown in Figs. 13 and 16, it will be appreciated that the objects of this invention may be achieved by llxedly securing the abutment element or flap 5 to the outside -face of the front wall panel I of the box part and permitting the abutment flap I 9 oit the cover part to freely hinge along its connected score line 20, as shown in Figs. 17 and 19. In either form, however, the longitudinal length 1: of the abutment flap 5 is preferably substantially equal to the longitudinal length y of the abutment flap I9 a'rld their combined length :r plus y is preferably slightly less by a distance r, Fig. l5, than the longitudinal length e of the front flange section I2 of the cover part.

When' the cover part is swung into open position as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 17, the merchandise may be readily inserted into the box part, the cover part may then be swung into closed position with the abutment edge 8 of the bo'x abutment flap 5 abutting the abutment edge 2I of the cover abutment flap I9. By reason of the lowered upper edge 6 orf the front wall panel I and the beveled upper edges 9 of the side wall panels 3, the top wall panel I8 may be pressed downward so as to lie at substantially an acute angle to the rear wall panel 2 of the box part. Since the abutment flaps 5 and I9 have a combined length which is less than the comparative length z of the front flange section I2 of the cover part, the abutment edge2| of the ilap I9 is entirely free to swing under and engage the abutment edge 8 of the flap 5 when the top wall panel of the cover part is pressed so as to substantially engage the upper edge 6 of the front wall panel I of the box part. Due to the inherent resiliency of the flexible material, the top wall panel I will swing upwardly into a substantially horizontal position and substantially at right angles to the rear wall panel 2 when pressure o-n the top wall panel I0 is released. When this occurs, the abutment edge 2I of flap I9 will engage and abut, the abutment edge 8 of the flap 5.

In opening the cover part upward pressure is exerted on the lowerfree edge of the front flange Y section I2 of the cover part. Stresses are thus imposed upon the front wall panel I and rear wall panel 2 of the box part, causing them to bow inwardly. The stresses thus engendered resist opening of the cover part and maintain the cover part in positive closed position until sufficient upward rforce is exerted on the front flange section I2 of the cover part to overcome this resistparl, anni a extends et substantially @obtuse angle to the front wall panel I.

In che modification illustrated ln Figs. 1v,Y

18 and 19, the abutment flap 5 is fixed vas by adhesive to the outside face oi' the li'ront wall panel I of the box part whilethe abutment flap I9 associated with the cover part is free `to vhinge about the score line 2li.` The cover part as illustrated in Fig. 19 may be swung open by exerting upward pressure on the lower free edge of the front flange section I2 of the cover part.- Stresses are thereby imposed upon the front wall panel I andrear'wall panel 2 of the box part, causing them to bow inwardly as illustrated in Fig. 19.

The hinged abutment flap I9 and the xed 1 ,during normal handling of the container.

Fig. 20 shows a container having an assembled box part and an unassembled cover part of further modled construction. As illustrated in Fig. 20, the top wall panel I0 of the cover part is hingcdly connected to the rear wall panel 2 of the box part along the transversely extending score line II while the :front flange section I2 is hingcdly connected along transversely extending score line I3 to the top wall panel I0. An inner side wall forming flap 44 is hingcdly connected to each end of the top wall panel I0 along the longitudinally extending score line 45, while a somewhat similar but slightly larger outer side wall forming flap 46 is hingcdly lconnected to the l front flange section I2 along a longtudinally extending score line 41. It will be noted that s core line 45 at each end of the top wall panel is substantially in alignment with the adjacent score line 41 at the adjacent end of the front flange .section I2. The adjacent side wall forming flaps 44 and 46 are separated by a cut 48 substantially in alignment with the score line I3 and each inner side wall forming nap 44 may be provided with an arcuate outer edge 49 which would no rmally be concealed, upon assembly of the cover part, beneath the corresponding arcuate edge 50 of the slightly larger adjacent side wall forming ap 45. An abutment flap I9 having a free abutment edge 2l is hingcdly connected along the transversely extending score line 2li to the front flange section I2.

In assembling the cover part the abutment flap I9 is folded inwardly so as to overlie the inside face of the front flange section I2 as illustrated in Fig. 21. The top wall panel I0 may then be folded downwardly in normally closed position and front ange section I2 folded to overlie the front Wall panel I of the box part. The inner side wall forming flaps 44 will then be folded downwardly so as to overlie the adjacent side wall panels 3 of the box part as illustrated in Fig. 22, and thereupon'the outer side wall forming flaps 46 may be adhesively secured to the adjacent inner side wall forming flaps 44, producing a,

edges of the side wall 'panels 3, the top wall panel I9 may be pressed downward so as to lie at su-bstantlally an acute angle to the rear wall panel 2 of the box part. In the preferred form as illustrated in Fig. 25,the abutment'iiap I9 is adhesively secured to the inside face of the front flange section I2 of the cover part and the abutment flap 5 is free to hinge along the upper edge of the front wall panel I of the box part. It will be appreciated, however, that the abutment flap 5 may be adhesively secured to the outside face of the front wall panel I of the box part and that the abutment flap I9 of the cover part may be left free to hinge along its connecting score line 20. In either form oi the invention, however, the longitudinal length :c ofthe abutment flap 5 is preferably substantially equal to the longitudi-V nal length y of the abutment ap I9 and their combined length :c plus y is preferably slightly less by a distance r, Fig. 24, than the longitudinal length z of the front flange section I2 of the cover part. l

Since the abutment flaps -5 and I9 have a combined length whichis less than the comparative length z of the front flange section I2 of the cover part, the abutment edge 2I of the flap I9 is entirely free to swing under and engage the vabutment edge 8 of the flap 5 when the top wall panel oi' the cover part is pressed so as to substantially engage the upper edge '6 of the front wall panel I of the box part. Due to the inherent resilience of the flexible material, the top wall panel I0 will swing upwardly substantially at right angles to the rear wall panel 2 when pressure on the top wall panel III is released. When this occurs the abutment edge 2| of flap I9 will engage and abut the abutment edge 8 of the ap 5. y

By following the teachings of this invention a container may be provided comprising a box part of any desired proportion or size, having associated therewith a cover part hingedly connected to the rear wall panel of the box part and having a front panel or flange section and side wall panels or sections adapted to snugly telescope over the corresponding front wall panel and side wall panels of the box part. The side wall sections of the cover part may be variously secured and attached to the top wall panel and the front flange section to provide a rigid and sturdy telescoping cover. Abutment elements are provided comprising a hinging or resilient abutment flap and a fixed abutment element or flap or fixed abutment tabs carried by the box and cover parts which are operative to cooperate to automatically releasably retain the cover part in closed position and releasably resist opening movement thereof. Where the abutment flap, element, or tabs associated with the cover part are xedly secured to the inside face of the flange section of the cover part, the abutment flap associated with the corresponding Wall panel of the box part is so formed as to hinge freely along the upper edge of the front wall panel. Where the abutment element or flap associated with the box part is iixedly secured to the front wall panel thereof, the abutment flap associated with the cover part is so formed as to permit free hinging movement thereof along the lower edge of the front flange section of the cover part. The cover front panel or flange section and the cover side panels or sections are held in substantially right angular relationship to the top wall panel so that the cover part will snugly telescope over the corresponding enclosing panels of the box amasar part. When the cover part is in closed position, the abutment elements are wholly contained within the cover part, with the abutment element associated with the box panel overlying the out-- side face thereof and the abutment element associated with the corresponding cover panel overlying the inside face thereof, and with the cooperating abutment edges ofthe abutment elements disposed in adjacent position and extending substantially along the mid sectional area of the cover panel which encloses the abutment elements. As thus arranged it will be noted `that the abutment element associated with the box part presents a downwardly'facing abutment edge and the abutment element associated with the cover part presents an upwardly facing abutment edge. L

When the box part and associated cover part have been thus constructed, the cooperating abutment elements operate to automatically releasably retain the cover part in closed position and releasably resist opening movement thereof. Opening movement of the cover part maybe effected by applying a predetermined upward force to the front flange or panel thereof, opening movement being resisted until the cover part has been forcibly swung a predetermined distance from closed toward open position. During this predetermined movement, the cooperating abutment edges of the hinged abutment flap and the fixed abutment element move into abutment and compressive stress is imposed on the hinged abutment flap which is in turn transmitted to one or more of the enclosing panels of the box part and cover part, causing one or more of these panels to ex suiciently to permit the hinged abutment flap to continue its hinging movement until the cover part is released. Thus the cover part can only be opened Iby applying force to the front flange section of the cover part sumcient to overcome the resistance offered by the hinged abutment flap and the fixed abutment flap. When the cover part has been brought to fully closed position the abutment flaps will automatically releasably lock the cover part in closed position as `will be readily noticeable by release of the resistance to closing and the click sound which results.

Paperboard .containers and containers made of other suitable resilient material equipped with this improved cover part hinged to the rear wall panel of a box part having an abutment flap associated with the front wall panel thereof, are adapted for the packaging of numerous articles of merchandise which have heretofore been packaged in metal or other rigid hinged cover containers. The cover part may be made in any desired shape and form to accommodate the shape and form of the box part, is neat and attractive in appearance, and strong and serviceable in u'se.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

'1. An improved hinged cover container formed from paperboard material comprising, a box part defined by a front wall panel, a rear wall panel and intermediate side wall panels connecting said front and rear wall panels, a bottom wall panel forming an end closure for said box part, the upper end of the box part being open, and

.panel adjacent said open end, and a cover part for said open end comprising a top wall panel hingedly connected to the upper end of the\rear wall panel of the box part, a front flange section connected to said top wall panel adapted to telescope over the front wall panel and abutment flap of the box part, and side wall sections relatively rigidly connected to the adjacent ends of said top wall panel and front flange section adapted to telescope over the intermediate side wall panels of the box part, and an abutment flap extending along the inner surface of said front flange section and adjacent to the free edge thereof, the lower edge of said first named flap and the upper edge of said second named flap being substantially in abutting position when the cover part is in normally closed position, one

of said abutment flaps being fixed in position and the other of said abutment flaps being hinged and free to execute a hinging or swinging movement, said abutment flaps being operative to cooperate to automatically releasably retain the cover part in closed position and releasably resist opening movement thereof.

2. An improved hinged cover container cornprising, a box part having enclosing side panels and an open end, a cover part for said open end having an end wall panel hingedly connected to one of the box side panels and connected cover side panels joined to said end wall panel adapted to telescope over other of the box side panels, and cooperating abutment elements associated with the box part and the cover part substantially wholly contained within the cover part whenthe cover part is in closed position, one of said abutment elements comprising a strip fixed to the inside face of a side panel of the cover part,

said other abutment element comprising a free ment edge arranged to move into abutment with i an abutment edge of said fixed strip and maintain compressive stress onsaid hinged flap during said predetermined swinging movement of -the cover part from closed to open position, the material forming certain of said side panels being sufficiently iiexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture of the material while said hinged flap is under compressive stress during opening movement of the cover part.

3. An improved hinged cover container comprising, a box part having enclosing side panels and an open end, a cover part for sai-d open end having an end wall panel hingedly connected to one of the box side panels and connected cover side panels joined to said end wall panel adapted to telescope over other of the box side panels, and cooperating abutment elements associated with the box part and the cover part substantially wholly contained within the cover part when the cover part is in closed position, one of said abutment elements comprising a free :swinging flap hinged along one edge thereof to a side panel of the cover part and normally overlying the inside face thereof, said other abutment element being fixed to the outside face of the adjacent side panel of the box part adjacent the open end thereof, said abutment elements being 4automatically operative to releasably retain the cover part in closed position and to releasably resist opening movement of the cover part until said cover part has been forcibly swung a predetermined distance from closed toward open position, said-hinged abutment flap having a free abutment edge arranged to move into abutment with an abutment edge of said fixed abutment element andmaintain compressive stress on said position, the material lforming certain of saidside panels being suiilciently flexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture of the material while said hinged flap is under compressive stress during opening movement of the cover part.

4. An improved hinged cover container comprising. a box part defined by enclosing side panels and an open end, and a cover part for said open end having an end wall panel hingedly connected to one of the box side panels and connected cover side panels rigidly joined to said end wall panel adapted to telescope over other adjacent box side panels, a pair of abutment tabs fixed to the inside face of the cover side panel Awhich is opposite the hinged edge of said top 'tabs and flap having abutment edges associated therewith arranged to move into abutment and maintain compressive stress on said hinged flap during a portion of the swinging movement of the cover part from closed to open position, the material forming at least one of said side panels being sumciently flexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture of the material while said hinged flap is under compressive stress during a portion of the swinging movement of the cover part from closed to open position. l

5. An improved hinged cover container formed from paperboard material comprising, a box part having front, rear and intermediate side panels and an open end, and a cover part for said open end having ,an end wall panel hingedly yconnected along a hinge line to the rear waljpanel of the box part, a cover front panel connected to said end wall panel and adapted to telescope over the box front panel, a'cover side panel connected to each end of said cover front panel and-to the adjacent end of said end wall panel and adapted to telescope over the adjacent box side panel, an abutment element adjacent to the open end of the box part connected to and supported by the box front panel and extending along the outside face thereof, and an abutment element connected to and supported by the adjacent cover front panel and extending along the inside face thereof, said abutment elements being substantially wholly contained within the cover part when the cover part is in closed position and being operative to automatically releasably retain the cover part in closed position and releasably resist opening movement thereof, one of said abutment elements comprising a hinged flap having an abut ment edge arranged to move into abutment with 8 l f assasav hinged flap is under compressive stressv during opening movement of the cover part.

6. An improved hinged cover container formed from paperboard material comprising, a box part having front, rear and intermediate side panels and an open end, a cover part for said open end having an end wall panel hingedly connected to y the rear wall pane1 of the box part, a cover front panel connected to theend wall panel and adapted to telescope over the box front panel, intermediate side sections connected to theends of said end wall panel and front wall panel and adapted to telescope over the box side panels, an abutment flap adjacent to the open end of the box part connected to and supported by the box front panel and extending along the outside face thereof,- and' an abutment flap connected to and supported lby the adjacent cover front panel and ex tending along the inside face thereof, said abutment naps being substantially wholly contained within the cover part when the cover part is in closed position and being operative to automatically releasably resist opening movement thereof,

one of said abutment flaps being hinged and having an abutment edge arranged to move into abutment with an abutment edge of said, other abutment ap and maintain compressive stress on said hinged flap during a portion of the swinging movement of the cover part from closed to open position, thev material forming at least one of said front wall panels being suiiiciently ilexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture of the material while said hinged flap is under compressive stress during opening movement of the cover part.

7. An improved hinged cover container comprising a box part having enclosing side panels and an open end, a cover part for said open end having an end wall panel hingedly connected along one of its edges to the upper edge of one of the box side panels, and connected cover side panels joined to the remaining edges of said end wall panel, said cover side panels being adapted to telescope over the upper ends of the other corresponding box side panels when said cover part is swung into box closing position, an element having an abutment edge extending along its lower end secured to the upper outside edge of one of said other box side panels, and an element having an abutment edge extending along its upper edge secured to the lower inside edge of the adjacent corresponding cover side panel, said abutment elements being substantially wholly contained within the cover part when the cover part is in closed position and being operative to automatically releasably resist opening movement thereof, one of said abutment elements comprising a hinged ap having its abutment edge arranged to move into abutment with the abutment edge of said other abutment element when the cover part is in closed position and maintain compressive stress on said hinged ilap during a portion of the swinging movement of the cover part from closed to open position, the panels to which said abutment elements are attached being suiliciently flexible to permit flexing thereof without rupture while said hinged flap is under compressive stress during opening hinging movement of thecover part.

8. A structure for forming a reclosable contalner, said structure including an open-ended box part, polygonall in horizontal.crosssection and having flexible walls, which include. a front panel and a back panel, a cover part for said open end comprising a top wall panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of the back panel of the box part along a fold line, said top wall u panel having the dimensionsof the open end of the box partr and having hingedly connected thereto along an edge thereof opposite said ilrst named edge, a flexible cover front panel coextensive with the edge of the cover top panel to which it is hinged, one of said cover panels having hingedly connected thereto at the ends thereof flaps forming cover side panels, said ilaps havy ing means secured thereto for securing said cover front panel and said cover side panels in rightangular relationship to said top wall panel, said cover front panel having an abutment element of less width than said cover front panel secured to the inner edge of the said cover front panel opposite its hinged edge for presenting an abutment edge intermediate the width of said cover front panel, an elongated abutment element of less width than said cover front panel secured to the outer upper edge of a front panel of the box part for presenting a downwardly facing abutment edge, one of said abutment elements being secured in face-to-face relation with the front panel to which it is attached, the other of said elements being a iiap hingedly and swingably secured to the front panel to which it is attached, the combined width of said abutment elements being not greater than the width of said cover front panel. 9. A structure for forming a reclosable container, said structure including an open-ended box part, polygonal in horizontal cross-section and having flexible walls which include a front panel and a back panel, a cover part for said open end comprising a top wall panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of the back panel of the box part along a fold line, said top wall panel having the dimensions of the open end of the box part and having vhingedly connected thereto along an edge thereof opposite said first named edge a flexible cover front panel coextensive with the edge of the cover top panel to which it is hinged, one of said cover panels having hingedly connected thereto at the ends thereof flaps forming cover side panels, said flaps having means secured thereto for securing said cover front paneland said cover side panels in rightangular relationship to saidtop wall panel, said cover front panel having a flap of less width than said cover front panel articulated to the inner edge of the said cover front panel opposite its hinged edge for presenting an abutment edge intermediate the width of said cover front panel, an elongated flap of less width than said cover front panel articulated to the' outer upper edge of a front panel of the box part for presenting a downwardly facing abutment edge, one of said ilaps being secured in face-to-face relation with the front panel to which it is attached, the other of said flaps being hingedly and swingably secured to the front panel to which it is attached, the combined width of said flaps being not greater than the width of said cover front panel.

MARSHALL I. WILLIAMSON.

HERMAN A. CARRUTH.y 

